24 Jan 2019 | 10:27 AM UTC
Spain: Taxi driver strike suspended in Barcelona; continues in Madrid Jan. 24 /update 3
Taxi drivers call off strike in Barcelona but continue to strike in Madrid as of January 24
Event
Taxi drivers in Barcelona called off their strike on Thursday, January 24, following an agreement with the government. Meanwhile, a similiar indefinite strike by taxi drivers is still ongoing in Madrid as of Thursday. Related protests and roadblocks are possible in Madrid in the coming days along with associated transportation disruptions and traffic congestion.
Context
Taxi drivers in Barcelona launched an indefinite strike on Friday, January 18, to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify. On January 23, the Catalan regional government offered new regulations for ride-sharing companies. Under the new rules, passengers would have to book the service at least one hour in advance.
A similar strike started in Madrid on Monday, January 21. On January 23, riot police were deployed in Madrid after protesters burned tires and containers and blocked roads near IFEMA in the city center. At least 11 people, including five police officers, were wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces.
Advice
Individuals in Madrid are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements.
